Convicted Baby-Killer Gets New Trial

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CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — The Nevada Supreme Court says a man convicted of killing a newborn deserves a new trial because the trial judge didn’t allow two defense witnesses to testify.

Rayshaun Coleman of Henderson was convicted of first-degree murder by child abuse for the 2009 death of his girlfriend’s 6-week-old son, Tristin Hilburn. The baby had burns on his body and a fractured skull.

Justices on Thursday agreed with defense arguments that two woman who were in jail with the boy’s mother, Christal Hilburn Gaynor, should have been allowed to testify at trial.

The women claimed Gaynor told them the baby suffered burns when Gaynor’s brother was cooking methamphetamine and the pot exploded. The boy died a few days later.

Coleman was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison.

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